In an exclusive interview for The Record, Bunbury Bishop-elect Fr George Kolodziej SDS speaks about his vocation, his homeland, challenges and his experience in the field of psychology.
1. How does Your Excellency recall your first steps with the Salvatorians and in the priesthood? What inspired you to choose this life path?
My vocation matured in an atmosphere of deep faith in my family, surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Małopolska in Poland. The land is dotted with roadside crosses and chapels.
I vividly recall people greeting each other with “God bless you,” starting their day with morning prayers and ending it with evening devotions.
I have an image of my father kneeling before bed, praying and asking for God’s blessings for the entire family etched in my memory. My own father relied on Our Father for strength and guidance each and every day. My father also had a special talent for storytelling: every evening, he crafted a new tale for us. Creativity and fun were part of our daily routine. All of this contributed to a very strong faith foundation from childhood: faith was part of everything – the joys and hopes, the laughter and the fun, and the griefs and sufferings we experienced as a family.
Joining the Salvatorians was my response to God’s call to serve others and proclaim the Gospel with joy and hope. My early years in the order were a time of intense spiritual and intellectual formation, which shaped my priestly ministry.
From the beginning, I aspired to be a tool in God’s hands, ready to serve with joy wherever I was sent.
When I reflect on this now, I’m reminded of what Pope Francis says in Evangelii Gaudium: “We are all called to be missionary disciples. We cannot remain in comfortable positions; we must go to the peripheries of the world, where Christ’s presence is needed”
2. Did growing up in Małopolska, in Wilczyce near Mszana Dolna, influence your formation as a person and a clergyman?
Małopolska is a beautiful part of the world: the mountainous landscape is stunning, and the people are true “salt of the earth”. One constantly feels the presence of God in a landscape like that. And the faith of the local people, the faithfulness of my parents, the roadside crosses, the sign of the cross made on bread before cutting it, family rosaries, station of the cross these all taught me to recognise God’s presence in everyday life and in people. This is the backdrop of my faith life. It instilled in me a deep faith in God and trust in people.
3. What were the biggest challenges you faced in your pastoral work upon arriving in Australia in 1994?
Coming to Australia as a 25-year-old priest was like being born anew—a new language, culture, mentality, and the need for a fresh approach to my ministry. It required setting aside everything I thought I knew and opening myself to this “great south land of the Holy Spirit”, as St John Paul II called it.
While it was a challenge, I was not afraid. As Pope Francis says: “True evangelisation does not fear diversity but embraces it and transforms it into richness.”
In Australia, I discovered the deep faith of people dedicated to the life of the Church and to bringing that faith to life in beautiful and practical ways. In my last parish in Pittwater, over 400 volunteers demonstrated how the community could be vibrant, devoted, full of joy, and respond to need in lots of different ways. I was always proud of their commitment. They taught me much and continue to do so. In coming to Australia I learnt that with a disposition of accompaniment – a sincere openness to those we encounter, without judgment, we build trust. And through trust, we see transformation, both in ourselves and in the community. This “tills the soil” for the Gospel to grow.
4. How does pastoral work in Poland differ from ministry in Australia, particularly in working with youth and navigating cultural diversity?
It’s difficult to compare, especially since I haven’t worked in Poland for over 30 years. In Australia, pastoral work is marked by immense cultural diversity. Every person is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). And every person reflects that image in their own unique and beautiful way. I’ve found that pastoral work which begins with accompaniment, with listening, with authenticity and sensitivity to each person is most effective.
This is especially true for young people, who are on a journey of discovery.
Pope Francis reminded us in Christus Vivit that “Young people do not need teachers who act like officials but guides who accompany them with love and genuine concern.” Young people want us to journey with them through their doubts, joys, and challenges. They often know what is right and wrong but, like all of us, sometimes falter. At such moments, it’s crucial to be close to them, listen, and offer encouragement so they don’t feel alone in their struggles.
5. What are the contemporary needs of young people in Australia, and what initiatives have been particularly effective in your work with them?
When I have asked them, and when I have observed what is effective, I’ve consistently found that young people need authentic mentors who walk alongside them. They value truth, sincerity, and action. Young people are on the move in their own lives, and I’ve found that initiatives involving movement and action are very effective in engaging their hearts and minds, like pilgrimages and mission-focused initiatives.
Enabling young people to act is critical. They aren’t passive recipients of a deposit of faith. They actively embody it! As Pope Francis wrote in Christus Vivit, “Young people are missionaries in their daily lives. They can be agents of change if only we allow them to act”. I see great potential in today’s youth—their sensitivity to others’ needs and their authenticity are a constant inspiration to me.
6. How has your background in psychology and experience in addiction therapy influenced your pastoral ministry?
I worked in a recovery centre for a number of years. I learnt so much by being close to those who were suffering from addictions. It was a school of humility and humanity for me. These people are also created in the image and likeness of God, and being close to them helped me to understand how to love every person, regardless of their life circumstances. It deepened my understanding of human complexity and vulnerability. Addictions often stem from profound pain and a desire to soothe that pain.
Recognizing this has helped me better accompany people in their spiritual struggles, whether they suffer from addictions or not. We all carry pain, and we all seek healing. And we can only help each other if we are close to each other – if we journey together. This is also true of the Church: we can only bring the Good News to others if we are close to them. This is why Pope Francis has encouraged us to think of the Church as “a field hospital where people can find mercy and comfort” Evangelii Gaudium.
7. Do you plan to use your expertise in this field in your episcopal ministry in the Diocese of Bunbury?
I hope to integrate my experience in accompanying those who suffer, as I have been able to do throughout my priestly ministry. In my last parish, I worked with Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups that supported people battling addictions. I saw how these programs welcomed people who might not otherwise find a place that was safe and healing.
I hope for a Church that expresses something similar, but for all people. We all carry with us joys, hopes, griefs and sufferings. The Church should be a place where people can come as they are, with all of their experiences, and encounter the love and joy of God.
For that reason, I envision a diocese open to supporting those struggling with mental health issues, depression, and other challenges. A joyful Church, not one that appears burdened or unwilling to engage.
8. How did you feel about your appointment as Bishop of Bunbury?
I was surprised and a bit overwhelmed, but I accepted it as God’s will. While serving as the Superior of the Salvatorians in Australia, I thought I would return to therapeutic work and youth ministry after completing my term. Becoming a bishop was never in my plans, but I embraced the appointment with gratitude and humility. After all, it is not my plan but God’s that is important.
9. What are your priorities in your new role?
I aspire to lead a Diocese of Bunbury which is a welcoming home for all—a place where everyone can find refuge, acceptance, and hope. I dream of a joyful, missionary Church, drawing all to know and love Jesus, following the guidance of Pope Francis in addressing the needs of the contemporary world and listening to the signs of the time.
10. What is your greatest source of inspiration and strength in your daily ministry?
Prayer. My relationship with Jesus must be the foundation of all I do. As Pope Benedict XVI wrote in Spe Salvi, “prayer is the school of hope”. And as the many religious orders which founded ministries like health and education across Australia show – prayer and action go together. Prayer moves me to action. It gives me the strength to face challenges and lead the community.
11. What challenges does the Church in Australia, and the universal Church, face today?
The greatest challenge is becoming a truly synodal Church. This is not just rhetoric. It’s action. It means a Church that is open to everyone, journeying together, and centred on Christ who is the Saviour of the world. Everything must revolve around Jesus. He heals, carries the burdened, forgives, and helps us to flourish.
St John Paul II said: “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ.” I would add something to this: not just doors but windows and every barrier that might prevent Christ from being accessible to every person or prevent any person from feeling at home in our Church. Jesus sees the best in us, even when others don’t. Let’s be a Church that does the same.
May God’s blessings be with you all in the New Year. God bless!